WO2007058875A1 - Portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels - Google Patents

Portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007058875A1
WO2007058875A1 PCT/US2006/043604 US2006043604W WO2007058875A1 WO 2007058875 A1 WO2007058875 A1 WO 2007058875A1 US 2006043604 W US2006043604 W US 2006043604W WO 2007058875 A1 WO2007058875 A1 WO 2007058875A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
anchor element
panel
lock device
floor
floor panel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/043604
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2007058875B1 (en
Inventor
Christopher C. Dickey
Todd A. Schilling
Original Assignee
Sico Incorporated
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sico Incorporated filed Critical Sico Incorporated
Priority to BRPI0618313-1A priority Critical patent/BRPI0618313A2/en
Priority to AU2006315739A priority patent/AU2006315739B2/en
Priority to KR1020087011488A priority patent/KR101338860B1/en
Priority to EP06844301A priority patent/EP1951970B1/en
Priority to CA2627084A priority patent/CA2627084C/en
Priority to AT06844301T priority patent/ATE439489T1/en
Priority to CN2006800416966A priority patent/CN101305141B/en
Priority to DE602006008497T priority patent/DE602006008497D1/en
Priority to JP2008540181A priority patent/JP2009516101A/en
Priority to NZ568321A priority patent/NZ568321A/en
Publication of WO2007058875A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007058875A1/en
Publication of WO2007058875B1 publication Critical patent/WO2007058875B1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/024—Sectional false floors, e.g. computer floors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0107—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/05—Separate connectors or inserts, e.g. pegs, pins, keys or strips
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
    • F16B2200/20—Connections with hook-like parts gripping behind a blind side of an element to be connected

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable floor system and in particular to an improved locking assembly and mounting system for the locking assembly.
  • Portable floors generally have a number of interlocking, rectangular sections or panels and are used for providing an extended hard surface that may be set up over carpeting or other surfaces on a temporary basis, by joining the floor sections together in an edge-to-edge relationship. Locks or other connectors are provided along the edges of the panels to secure the adjacent panels together to form the extended floor surface.
  • Portable floors are used for a variety of purposes and are particularly useful in the hospitality and entertainment industry. It is often desired to provide a temporary smooth hard surface for dancing or other activities that can be removed so the space may be used for other activities.
  • Floors are usually connected together in an edge-to-edge fashion with releasable locks along their edges.
  • a portable floor of this general type is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,310,919, which discloses floor panels with each floor panel having an extruded tongue section along certain edges and a complementary extended groove section along certain other edges. The adjoining sections can be fitted together in an edge-to-edge relationship by a tongue and groove arrangement and held in place by threaded locking screws mounted above the grooves to engage notches in the tongue members.
  • Such systems are difficult to replace when failure occurs.
  • a portion of the core is removed and a wood block is inserted for mounting by joint connector nuts and bolts or mounting using standard wood screws.
  • Such a system requires a precise alignment for a joint connector bolt inserting into a complementary joint connector nut having a complementary orifice.
  • Great precision is required for aligning the nuts and bolts.
  • such systems using either wood screws or joint connector require drilling of a pilot hole. Improper positioning of such pilot holes may ruin the panel during the manufacturing process.
  • rotary locks are generally held by at least two screws or joint connector bolts, they typically have four mounting holes.
  • the adjacent hole is typically too close to the position of the failure to allow for repair and mounting of a separate joint connector nut and bolt.
  • a further problem is the precise alignment that is required and the special manufacturing methods needed to align all of the various elements.
  • the anchoring block and the rotary lock member are also spaced apart with light weight core material or alternate fill material between the elements when mounted so that when force is applied, the material between the wood block and the lock member can collapse, which can lead to failure and/or misalignment.
  • a new portable floor system using new and improved portable floor panels is needed that overcomes the problems related to locking assemblies and their mounting.
  • Such a system should provide for simple and easy insertion and manufacture of the floor panel and the locking devices.
  • Such a system should also eliminate soft core material between the locking member and the anchoring element.
  • Such a system should also improve alignment and provide a light weight anchor that is easily replaced should failure occur.
  • the present invention addresses these, as well as other problems associated with portable floor systems.
  • the present invention is directed to a portable floor system and in particular to a floor system wherein the individual floor panels have an improved mounting assembly for mounting the arrangement for the locking assemblies.
  • the portable floor system of the present invention provides a temporary floor surface that is suitable for dancing or other activities while providing multi-use capability for the space where the floor is removed.
  • the present invention provides a portable floor having substantially rectangular floor panels connecting and locking along their edges to form a continuous extended floor surface. Along the edges of the floor are edge trim panels that provide a transition from the portable floor surface to the underlying surface.
  • Each of the floor panels includes a planar floor portion with an extruded edge section. These edges form complementary tongues and grooves for aligning the panels together.
  • the panels are locked together by a cam-type rotary lock having complementary male and female members on the edges of adjacent panels. As the cam locks engage, the camming action tends to slide the panels relative to one another along the edges, thereby locking the panels together and ensuring a proper fit with no gaps between the panels.
  • the present invention provides for a lightweight and easy to manufacture mounting arrangement for the locking assemblies.
  • the lock members attach directly to an anchor element mounted into a slot formed in the floor panel.
  • the anchor element is a light weight plastic element having holes receiving mounting screws that attach through the locking member directly to the anchor element.
  • the direct mounting eliminates the need for making precise pilot holes as was needed with the prior art lock mounting systems, hi addition, the direct abutment of the locking devices to the anchor element provides a stronger rigid mount that eliminates the sagging and compression that may occur if the soft core material between the lock and the mounting blocks of the prior art has pressure applied.
  • the mounting system of the present invention is also easy to manufacture.
  • a first slot for the anchor element is formed in the bottom of the panel and a second slot for receiving the lock is formed in the edge of the panel to intersect the first slot and form a continuous opening.
  • the pattern on the upper surface may be continuous panel to panel and the lock and anchoring elements are aligned off a particular indexing feature of the surface panels so that the various panels are precisely aligned and therefore, can form a continuous wood grain pattern from panel to panel over the entire floor.
  • the mounting arrangement also provides for easy replacement as damaged screws may simply be replaced by removing the anchor element and the lock and replacing the damaged pieces. It can also be appreciated that if a mounting screw or hole is stripped, an adjacent hole may be utilized for mounting, thus eliminating the need for replacement of the anchor element. Moreover, the present invention does not require any type of adhesive or special steps for mounting.
  • the anchor element is a rigid light weight plastic material such as nylon, with much of the slot into which it inserts remaining empty so that the mounting system achieves weight savings over the prior art systems.
  • Figure 1 is a top plan view of a portable floor system according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a floor panel for the portable floor system shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a top view of the floor panel shown in Figure 2 with portions removed to show the locking assembly
  • Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view with portions removed of two panels for the floor system shown in Figure 1 joined together;
  • Figure 5 is a side sectional view of a portion of the panel shown in Figure 2;
  • Figure 6 is top detail view of the floor panel shown in Figure 2 showing the locking assembly
  • Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of two locking assemblies shown in Figure 6 and their mounting to the panels with the locking assemblies connected;
  • Figure 8 is a top plan view of a portion of the panel shown in Figure 2 showing slots for installation of the locking assembly;
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of the anchor element for the locking assembly shown in Figure 6;
  • Figure 10 is a side elevational view of an anchor element shown in Figure 9.
  • the floor system 10 includes a plurality of generally rectangular floor panels 12 joined in an edge-to-edge relationship to form an extended, continuous floor surface.
  • Such panels generally include a lightweight planar portion 14 with extruded edge elements including tongues 16 along two 1 edges and grooves 18 along the other two edges. With this arrangement, the tongues 16 insert to the corresponding grooves 18 and provide engagement of the edges of adjacent panels.
  • the planar portion 14 typically includes a light weight center core layer 20, a hard bottom exterior layer 22 and a bottom inner support layer 24.
  • a top support layer 28 extends over the core layer 20 and a top exterior layer 26 covers the top support layer 28.
  • the top exterior layer 26 may have a pattern and in one embodiment, includes a wood grain pattern to give the impression of a hardwood floor. It can be appreciated that fewer or more layers may be utilized, depending upon the use, but should include a lightweight core layer 20.
  • the wood grain layer 70 is a continuous repeating pattern and includes a designated indexing feature 72 that it utilized for positioning the necessary cuts and for positioning the edges of the panel and the so that the pattern is continuous from one panel 12 to the next.
  • the floor system 10 also includes edge trim pieces 30 and 32.
  • the edge trim pieces 30 and 32 form a safe transition from the upper surface of the floor system 10 to the underlying ground or floor.
  • the edge trim pieces 30 and 32 have either tongues or grooves (not shown) similar to the tongues and grooves of the extruded edge 16 and 18 and mate in a similar manner.
  • the edge trim pieces 30 and 32 have corresponding locking devices that also engage complementary locking devices of the floor system 10.
  • the floor panels 12 are shown with the planar portions 14 and the extruded edge members including tongues 16 and grooves 18.
  • the tongues 16 are along two adjacent sides while the grooves 18 are along the two adjacent opposite sides.
  • the tongues 16 engage the complementary grooves 18 of adjacent panels 12 so that the edges of the floor panels 12 abut and the floor panels 12 form an extended continuous floor surface.
  • the floor panels 12 are connected to one another with lock assemblies 40, as shown more clearly in Figure 7.
  • the lock assemblies include female locks 42 and complementary male locks 44.
  • the complementary rotary locks 42 and 44 provide for pulling the edges together to ensure a tight fit.
  • the female rotating cam lock devices 42 have a rotatable circular cam and mount at the center of the two edges having grooves 18.
  • the complementary male cam lock members 44 mount at the center of the edges having tongues 16 and receive and retain the rotary cam member when the lock is actuated and the cam member extends into the male lock member 44.
  • the female cam members 42 are actuated by rotating the cam with an Allen-type tool inserted into an orifice 64 in the upper surface of the floor panels 12. When actuated, the cam pulls the cam lock devices 42 and 44 and therefore the floor panels 12 together to ensure that no gaps are formed in the floor 10 and a tight edge-to-edge connection is maintained between adjacent panels 12.
  • the lock assemblies 40 include the bodies of the female and male lock members 42 and 44 that mount directly into slots 66 formed through the tongues 16 and grooves 18 of the edges and slots 62 formed in the planar panel portion 14.
  • the female lock devices 42 and the male lock devices 44 mount directly to an anchoring element 48.
  • the slots 62 are formed in the edges of the center core of the planar portion 14.
  • the anchoring element fits into a slot 60, shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 8.
  • Mounting screws 46 extend through the back of the female and male locks 42 and 44 and into receiving portions 52 of the anchoring element 48, shown most clearly in Figure 9.
  • the lock devices 42 and 44 mount directly to the anchoring element 48 and abut the anchoring element, thereby eliminating the less dense and poorly supporting material of the lightweight center layer 20 of the prior art.
  • the anchoring element 48 provides added support for the lock members 42 and 44. Moreover, installation is straight forward and requires no special tools or application of adhesive.
  • the anchoring element 48 provides further advantages over the prior art wood mounting blocks.
  • the anchoring elements 48 are preferably made of a sturdy but light weight plastic material such as nylon 6/6 or other suitable material well known in the art.
  • the plastic material includes an upper flange 50 that extends slightly around the slot 60 and over a portion of the bottom of the floor panel 12.
  • Horizontal ribs 56 and vertical ribs 54 provide a sturdy support structure for the mounting portions 52.
  • As the anchoring element 48 provides much empty space, it provides weight savings over solid wood block mounting systems.
  • Forming of the slots 62 and 60 is accomplished quite simply with a router and is positioned to ensure a proper placement from an indexing feature 72 of the surface pattern 70.
  • the edges of planar portion 14 are formed at the same time as the slots 60 and 62 so that the slots 60 and 62 are precisely located to ensure proper alignment of the lock devices 42 and 44. This also provides sufficiently precise alignment to ensure that the patterns that are configured for being continuous are consistently aligned and oriented to give an improved overall continuous natural wood grain or other floor appearance.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)
  • Non-Flushing Toilets (AREA)

Abstract

A portable floor panel (12) and a portable floor system comprising a plurality of such portable floor panels (12) , each panel comprising a planar portion (14) including a top surface (26) , a core (20) , a bottom surface (22) , and complementary edge portions (30, 32) . The panel further comprises a panel locking assembly (40) along each edge, the locking assembly having a lock device (42, 44) extending from an edge into the core (20) , connectors (46) , and an anchor element (48) abutting the lock device (42, 44) . The anchor element has a connector receiving portion (52) , wherein the connectors engage the lock device (42, 44) and the anchor element (48) to attach the anchor element (48) to the lock device (42, 44) . In order to ease its manufacture, insertion and replacement, the anchor element extends through the bottom surface (22) .

Description

PORTABLE FLOOR
Background of the Invention
This application is being filed on 09 November 2006, as a PCT International Patent application in the name of Sico Incorporated, a U.S. national corporation, applicant for the designation of all countries except the US, and Christopher C. Dickey and Todd A. Schilling, both citizens of the U.S., applicants for the designation of the US only, and claims priority to U.S. Utility Patent Application Serial No. 11/271,513, filed November 10, 2005.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable floor system and in particular to an improved locking assembly and mounting system for the locking assembly.
Description of the Prior Art
Portable floors generally have a number of interlocking, rectangular sections or panels and are used for providing an extended hard surface that may be set up over carpeting or other surfaces on a temporary basis, by joining the floor sections together in an edge-to-edge relationship. Locks or other connectors are provided along the edges of the panels to secure the adjacent panels together to form the extended floor surface.
Portable floors are used for a variety of purposes and are particularly useful in the hospitality and entertainment industry. It is often desired to provide a temporary smooth hard surface for dancing or other activities that can be removed so the space may be used for other activities. Floors are usually connected together in an edge-to-edge fashion with releasable locks along their edges. A portable floor of this general type is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,310,919, which discloses floor panels with each floor panel having an extruded tongue section along certain edges and a complementary extended groove section along certain other edges. The adjoining sections can be fitted together in an edge-to-edge relationship by a tongue and groove arrangement and held in place by threaded locking screws mounted above the grooves to engage notches in the tongue members. Although the portable floor disclosed in that patent has been successful in providing a convenient and efficient portable floor, further improvements are possible. Another patent showing portable floors is U.S. Patent No. 6,128,881. Cam- type rotary locks having complementary male and female members on the edge of the panels are used to engage and lock the panels together in proper alignment. Although the cam-type rotary locks are an improvement, there are challenges with mounting such locks. As weight is a concern in the portable floor panels, it is often desired to utilize a panel construction having a light weight core panel to reduce overall weight. Although using core materials such as foam, honeycomb or balsa wood aids in reducing weight, these materials are not suitable as a mounting structure. Prior methods of mounting the rotary locks to the floor panel with a core that provides little support is difficult. Moreover, such systems are difficult to replace when failure occurs. Typically, a portion of the core is removed and a wood block is inserted for mounting by joint connector nuts and bolts or mounting using standard wood screws. Such a system requires a precise alignment for a joint connector bolt inserting into a complementary joint connector nut having a complementary orifice. Great precision is required for aligning the nuts and bolts. Moreover, such systems using either wood screws or joint connector require drilling of a pilot hole. Improper positioning of such pilot holes may ruin the panel during the manufacturing process.
In addition, such systems are difficult to repair should failure occur. Although the rotary locks are generally held by at least two screws or joint connector bolts, they typically have four mounting holes. However, due to the proximity between the holes, if failure occurs, the adjacent hole is typically too close to the position of the failure to allow for repair and mounting of a separate joint connector nut and bolt. A further problem is the precise alignment that is required and the special manufacturing methods needed to align all of the various elements. The anchoring block and the rotary lock member are also spaced apart with light weight core material or alternate fill material between the elements when mounted so that when force is applied, the material between the wood block and the lock member can collapse, which can lead to failure and/or misalignment.
Another problem with portable floors is alignment of wood grain surfaces to provide continuity. Due to imprecise manufacturing, floors that have aligned wood grains have been difficult to achieve. It can be appreciated that a method that provides for properly aligning and orienting the wood grain so that the pattern on the top surface is consistently placed so that each panel has an identical appearance and aligns with any other panel improves overall appearance of the floor system.
It can be seen that a new portable floor system using new and improved portable floor panels is needed that overcomes the problems related to locking assemblies and their mounting. Such a system should provide for simple and easy insertion and manufacture of the floor panel and the locking devices. Such a system should also eliminate soft core material between the locking member and the anchoring element. Such a system should also improve alignment and provide a light weight anchor that is easily replaced should failure occur. The present invention addresses these, as well as other problems associated with portable floor systems.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a portable floor system and in particular to a floor system wherein the individual floor panels have an improved mounting assembly for mounting the arrangement for the locking assemblies.
The portable floor system of the present invention provides a temporary floor surface that is suitable for dancing or other activities while providing multi-use capability for the space where the floor is removed. The present invention provides a portable floor having substantially rectangular floor panels connecting and locking along their edges to form a continuous extended floor surface. Along the edges of the floor are edge trim panels that provide a transition from the portable floor surface to the underlying surface.
Each of the floor panels includes a planar floor portion with an extruded edge section. These edges form complementary tongues and grooves for aligning the panels together. The panels are locked together by a cam-type rotary lock having complementary male and female members on the edges of adjacent panels. As the cam locks engage, the camming action tends to slide the panels relative to one another along the edges, thereby locking the panels together and ensuring a proper fit with no gaps between the panels. The present invention provides for a lightweight and easy to manufacture mounting arrangement for the locking assemblies. The lock members attach directly to an anchor element mounted into a slot formed in the floor panel. The anchor element is a light weight plastic element having holes receiving mounting screws that attach through the locking member directly to the anchor element. The direct mounting eliminates the need for making precise pilot holes as was needed with the prior art lock mounting systems, hi addition, the direct abutment of the locking devices to the anchor element provides a stronger rigid mount that eliminates the sagging and compression that may occur if the soft core material between the lock and the mounting blocks of the prior art has pressure applied.
In addition to a sturdier mounting arrangement, the mounting system of the present invention is also easy to manufacture. A first slot for the anchor element is formed in the bottom of the panel and a second slot for receiving the lock is formed in the edge of the panel to intersect the first slot and form a continuous opening.
This provides for mounting the lock member directly against the anchor element for additional support. Moreover, the pattern on the upper surface may be continuous panel to panel and the lock and anchoring elements are aligned off a particular indexing feature of the surface panels so that the various panels are precisely aligned and therefore, can form a continuous wood grain pattern from panel to panel over the entire floor.
The mounting arrangement also provides for easy replacement as damaged screws may simply be replaced by removing the anchor element and the lock and replacing the damaged pieces. It can also be appreciated that if a mounting screw or hole is stripped, an adjacent hole may be utilized for mounting, thus eliminating the need for replacement of the anchor element. Moreover, the present invention does not require any type of adhesive or special steps for mounting. The anchor element is a rigid light weight plastic material such as nylon, with much of the slot into which it inserts remaining empty so that the mounting system achieves weight savings over the prior art systems.
These features of novelty and various other advantages that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings that form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a portable floor system according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a floor panel for the portable floor system shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a top view of the floor panel shown in Figure 2 with portions removed to show the locking assembly;
Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view with portions removed of two panels for the floor system shown in Figure 1 joined together; Figure 5 is a side sectional view of a portion of the panel shown in Figure 2;
Figure 6 is top detail view of the floor panel shown in Figure 2 showing the locking assembly;
Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of two locking assemblies shown in Figure 6 and their mounting to the panels with the locking assemblies connected; Figure 8 is a top plan view of a portion of the panel shown in Figure 2 showing slots for installation of the locking assembly;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the anchor element for the locking assembly shown in Figure 6; and
Figure 10 is a side elevational view of an anchor element shown in Figure 9.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure I3 there is shown a portable floor system, generally designated 10. The floor system 10 includes a plurality of generally rectangular floor panels 12 joined in an edge-to-edge relationship to form an extended, continuous floor surface. Such panels generally include a lightweight planar portion 14 with extruded edge elements including tongues 16 along two1 edges and grooves 18 along the other two edges. With this arrangement, the tongues 16 insert to the corresponding grooves 18 and provide engagement of the edges of adjacent panels. Referring now to Figure 5, the planar portion 14 typically includes a light weight center core layer 20, a hard bottom exterior layer 22 and a bottom inner support layer 24. A top support layer 28 extends over the core layer 20 and a top exterior layer 26 covers the top support layer 28. The top exterior layer 26 may have a pattern and in one embodiment, includes a wood grain pattern to give the impression of a hardwood floor. It can be appreciated that fewer or more layers may be utilized, depending upon the use, but should include a lightweight core layer 20.
Referring again to Figure 1, the wood grain layer 70 is a continuous repeating pattern and includes a designated indexing feature 72 that it utilized for positioning the necessary cuts and for positioning the edges of the panel and the so that the pattern is continuous from one panel 12 to the next.
Referring again to Figure 1, the floor system 10 also includes edge trim pieces 30 and 32. The edge trim pieces 30 and 32 form a safe transition from the upper surface of the floor system 10 to the underlying ground or floor. The edge trim pieces 30 and 32 have either tongues or grooves (not shown) similar to the tongues and grooves of the extruded edge 16 and 18 and mate in a similar manner. As explained hereinafter, the edge trim pieces 30 and 32 have corresponding locking devices that also engage complementary locking devices of the floor system 10.
Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the floor panels 12 are shown with the planar portions 14 and the extruded edge members including tongues 16 and grooves 18. The tongues 16 are along two adjacent sides while the grooves 18 are along the two adjacent opposite sides. The tongues 16 engage the complementary grooves 18 of adjacent panels 12 so that the edges of the floor panels 12 abut and the floor panels 12 form an extended continuous floor surface. The floor panels 12 are connected to one another with lock assemblies 40, as shown more clearly in Figure 7. Referring again to Figures 2-4, the lock assemblies include female locks 42 and complementary male locks 44. The complementary rotary locks 42 and 44 provide for pulling the edges together to ensure a tight fit. The female rotating cam lock devices 42 have a rotatable circular cam and mount at the center of the two edges having grooves 18. The complementary male cam lock members 44 mount at the center of the edges having tongues 16 and receive and retain the rotary cam member when the lock is actuated and the cam member extends into the male lock member 44. The female cam members 42 are actuated by rotating the cam with an Allen-type tool inserted into an orifice 64 in the upper surface of the floor panels 12. When actuated, the cam pulls the cam lock devices 42 and 44 and therefore the floor panels 12 together to ensure that no gaps are formed in the floor 10 and a tight edge-to-edge connection is maintained between adjacent panels 12. Referring now to Figures 5-7, the improved mounting arrangement of the lock assemblies 40 of the present invention is shown. The lock assemblies 40 include the bodies of the female and male lock members 42 and 44 that mount directly into slots 66 formed through the tongues 16 and grooves 18 of the edges and slots 62 formed in the planar panel portion 14. The female lock devices 42 and the male lock devices 44 mount directly to an anchoring element 48. The slots 62 are formed in the edges of the center core of the planar portion 14. The anchoring element fits into a slot 60, shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 8. Mounting screws 46 extend through the back of the female and male locks 42 and 44 and into receiving portions 52 of the anchoring element 48, shown most clearly in Figure 9. It can be appreciated that with this arrangement, the lock devices 42 and 44 mount directly to the anchoring element 48 and abut the anchoring element, thereby eliminating the less dense and poorly supporting material of the lightweight center layer 20 of the prior art. The anchoring element 48 provides added support for the lock members 42 and 44. Moreover, installation is straight forward and requires no special tools or application of adhesive.
Should damage occur, repair is simple so that the panel 12 is not ruined. If a mounting screw 46 or orifice 52 is stripped, a new screw may simply be inserted into the adjacent unused receiving orifice 52 and no replacement parts are needed. It can be appreciated that if the anchoring element 48 or other elements do need to replacement, they are simply removed with a screwdriver and new lock devices 42 or 44 or anchoring elements 48 may be remounted without any adverse effect to the floor panel 12.
The anchoring element 48 provides further advantages over the prior art wood mounting blocks. The anchoring elements 48 are preferably made of a sturdy but light weight plastic material such as nylon 6/6 or other suitable material well known in the art. The plastic material includes an upper flange 50 that extends slightly around the slot 60 and over a portion of the bottom of the floor panel 12. Horizontal ribs 56 and vertical ribs 54 provide a sturdy support structure for the mounting portions 52. As the anchoring element 48 provides much empty space, it provides weight savings over solid wood block mounting systems.
Forming of the slots 62 and 60 is accomplished quite simply with a router and is positioned to ensure a proper placement from an indexing feature 72 of the surface pattern 70. The edges of planar portion 14 are formed at the same time as the slots 60 and 62 so that the slots 60 and 62 are precisely located to ensure proper alignment of the lock devices 42 and 44. This also provides sufficiently precise alignment to ensure that the patterns that are configured for being continuous are consistently aligned and oriented to give an improved overall continuous natural wood grain or other floor appearance.
It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A portable floor panel (12), comprising: a planar portion (14) including a top surface (26), a core (20), and a bottom surface (22), complementary edge portions (30, 32); characterized by a panel locking assembly (40) along each edge, the locking assembly having a lock device (42, 44) extending from an edge into the core (20); connectors (46); and an anchor element (48) abutting the lock device (42, 44), the anchor element extending through the bottom surface (22), the anchor element having a connector receiving portion (52), wherein the connectors engage the lock device and the anchor element to attach the anchor element to the lock device.
2. A floor panel (12) according to claim 1, wherein the anchor element (48) comprises ribs (54, 56) defining voids when the anchor element is inserted in the planar portion (14).
3. A floor panel (12) according to claim 1, wherein the panel comprises an extruded edge member (30, 32) and wherein the edge member defines an orifice (66) receiving the lock device (42, 44).
4. A floor panel (12) according to claim 1, wherein the panel has a natural wood grain (70) appearance and wherein the wood grain defines an indexing spot (72) for aligning the lock device (42, 44).
5. A floor panel (12) according claim 1, wherein the anchor element (48) defines a first connector receiving portion (52) and a second connector receiving portion (52) spaced apart from the first connector portion.
6. A floor panel (12) according to claim 5, wherein each connector receiving portion defines at least two orifices (52).
7. A floor panel (12) according to claim 1, wherein the anchor element (48) includes a flange (50) with a portion extending over a portion of the bottom surface (22).
8. A floor panel (12) according to claim 1, wherein the planar portion (14) defines a slot (60) formed through the bottom surface (22) and the core (20) for receiving the anchor element (48).
9. A floor panel (12) according to claim 8, wherein the panel comprises an extruded edge member (30, 32) and wherein the edge member defines an orifice (66) receiving the lock device (42, 44).
10. A floor panel (12) according to claim 8, wherein the planar portion (14) defines an orifice (62) formed in a side thereof receiving the lock device (42, 44).
11. A floor panel (12) according to claim 10, wherein the panel comprises an extruded edge member (30, 32) and wherein the edge member defines an orifice (66) aligned with the orifice (62) formed in the side of the planar portion (14) and receiving the lock device (42, 44).
12. A floor panel (12) according to claim 1, wherein the anchor element (48) comprises intersecting vertical ribs (54) and horizontal ribs (56).
13. A floor panel (12) according to claim 1, wherein the anchor element (48) comprises nylon.
14. A portable floor system (10), comprising: a plurality of floor panels (12) configured for connection along abutting edges, each floor panel comprising: a planar portion (14) including a top surface (26), a core (20), and a bottom surface (22), complementary edge portions (30, 32); characterized by a panel connecting assembly (40) along each edge, the connecting assembly having a lock device (42, 44) extending from an edge into the core (20); connectors (46); and an anchor element (48) abutting the lock device, the anchor element (48) extending through the bottom surface (22), the anchor element having a connector receiving portion (52), wherein the connectors engage the lock device and the anchor element to attach the anchor element to the lock device.
15. A floor system (10) according to claim 14, wherein each of the panels (12) has a natural wood grain appearance (70) and wherein the wood grain is aligned from panel to panel.
16. A floor system (10) according to claim 14, wherein each of the panels (12) has a natural wood grain appearance and wherein the wood grain (70) defines an indexing spot (72) for aligning the locking device (42, 44).
PCT/US2006/043604 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels WO2007058875A1 (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BRPI0618313-1A BRPI0618313A2 (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels
AU2006315739A AU2006315739B2 (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels
KR1020087011488A KR101338860B1 (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable Floor Panel and Portable Floor System Comprising a Plurality of Such Panels
EP06844301A EP1951970B1 (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels
CA2627084A CA2627084C (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels
AT06844301T ATE439489T1 (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 PORTABLE FLOOR PLATE AND PORTABLE FLOOR SYSTEM COMPRISING SEVERAL SUCH PLATES
CN2006800416966A CN101305141B (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels
DE602006008497T DE602006008497D1 (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable bottom plate and portable floor system with several such plates
JP2008540181A JP2009516101A (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable floor
NZ568321A NZ568321A (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable floor system with panel locking assemblies that extend into the panel

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/271,513 2005-11-10
US11/271,513 US7621091B2 (en) 2005-11-10 2005-11-10 Portable floor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007058875A1 true WO2007058875A1 (en) 2007-05-24
WO2007058875B1 WO2007058875B1 (en) 2007-08-23

Family

ID=37907331

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/043604 WO2007058875A1 (en) 2005-11-10 2006-11-09 Portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels

Country Status (15)

Country Link
US (1) US7621091B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1951970B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2009516101A (en)
KR (1) KR101338860B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101305141B (en)
AT (1) ATE439489T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2006315739B2 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0618313A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2627084C (en)
DE (1) DE602006008497D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2328410T3 (en)
MY (1) MY157818A (en)
NZ (1) NZ568321A (en)
RU (1) RU2008123058A (en)
WO (1) WO2007058875A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012164591A1 (en) * 2011-06-03 2012-12-06 Sepa S.R.L. Floor element in particular for an interlocking modular floor suitable for use in sports

Families Citing this family (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7980042B2 (en) * 2006-01-17 2011-07-19 LRM Industries International Inc. Molded panel, molded panel system and connection system
GB2440141A (en) * 2006-07-13 2008-01-23 Vaughans Of Leicester Ltd Edging tiles
JP4639220B2 (en) * 2007-09-26 2011-02-23 アルインコ株式会社 Temporary floorboard connection structure
US20090250295A1 (en) * 2008-04-07 2009-10-08 Laws David J Portable Elevated Platform
US8752350B2 (en) * 2009-01-12 2014-06-17 The Boeing Company Ceramic composite thermal protection system
US8205407B2 (en) * 2009-04-15 2012-06-26 Genova Michael C Modular decking system
US9051739B2 (en) * 2010-04-16 2015-06-09 Signature Systems Group, Llc Modular flooring system
KR101274850B1 (en) 2011-06-09 2013-06-13 주식회사 이마루 Manufacturing method of floor panel
WO2013033130A2 (en) * 2011-09-02 2013-03-07 3M Innovative Properties Company Modular web-handling machine
US9290936B2 (en) 2014-02-10 2016-03-22 Sico Incorporated Portable floor
KR102398945B1 (en) 2014-04-10 2022-05-16 베리알록 엔브이 Floor board with universal connection system
FR3034282B1 (en) * 2015-03-26 2019-05-24 O. Participations Sas MODULAR STRUCTURE, MODULE FOR SUCH A MODULAR STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SUCH A MODULAR STRUCTURE
US10208489B2 (en) * 2015-03-30 2019-02-19 Exploring, Inc. Raised flooring system and assembly method with magnetically-attached flooring surface
US10132078B2 (en) * 2015-08-10 2018-11-20 Herman Miller, Inc. Screen assembly
US9506255B1 (en) 2015-10-20 2016-11-29 Signature Systems Group, Llc Modular flooring device and system
USD832468S1 (en) 2015-10-20 2018-10-30 Signature Systems Group, Llc Modular flooring device
USD928993S1 (en) 2015-10-20 2021-08-24 Signature Systems Group, Llc Modular flooring device
USD854711S1 (en) 2017-04-05 2019-07-23 Oshkosh Floor Designs Acquisition, LLC Modular flooring tile
USD900346S1 (en) 2018-03-15 2020-10-27 Everblock Systems Llc Flooring module
US10196826B1 (en) 2018-04-16 2019-02-05 EverBlock Systems, LLC Elevated flooring system
USD895161S1 (en) 2019-04-12 2020-09-01 Signature Systems Group Llc Modular flooring tile
CN111622446B (en) * 2020-06-02 2021-04-30 广东中都建筑集团有限公司 Environment-friendly wallboard mounting structure and method for green building

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1990000656A1 (en) * 1988-07-08 1990-01-25 Sico Incorporated Interlocking sections for portable floors and the like
WO1996004441A1 (en) * 1994-07-29 1996-02-15 Sico Incorporated Floor panel
WO1997021011A2 (en) * 1995-12-05 1997-06-12 Sico Incorporated Portable floor
US6032427A (en) * 1996-12-13 2000-03-07 Connor Sports Flooring Corporation Portable panel sports floor system

Family Cites Families (33)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2340864A (en) * 1941-12-04 1944-02-08 Carpenter Miles Harold Fastening means for building construction
US2822585A (en) * 1954-03-31 1958-02-11 Baruch Joseph Portable floors
US2885039A (en) * 1955-03-09 1959-05-05 Hughes Aircraft Co Locking device
US3310919A (en) * 1964-10-02 1967-03-28 Sico Inc Portable floor
US3567260A (en) * 1969-03-21 1971-03-02 Norris Dispensers Inc Mechanism for pulling together and interlocking the edges of insulated building panels
US3587199A (en) * 1969-03-27 1971-06-28 Emhart Corp Locking mechanism for sectional coolers
US4020613A (en) * 1975-07-02 1977-05-03 Reynolds Frank L Fastener
US4340929A (en) * 1979-12-10 1982-07-20 Sico Incorporated Illuminated portable floor
US4417430A (en) * 1981-03-13 1983-11-29 Standard Keil Hardware Manufacturing Co. Direct drive positive locking panel fastener
IT1169586B (en) * 1983-10-18 1987-06-03 Giovannetti F FIXING DEVICE TO JOIN THEIR PANELS IN AN UNLOCKABLE WAY
US4988131A (en) * 1988-07-08 1991-01-29 Sico Incorporated Interlocking sections for portable floors and the like
US5022200A (en) * 1988-07-08 1991-06-11 Sico Incorporated Interlocking sections for portable floors and the like
US5157890A (en) * 1991-02-07 1992-10-27 Wenger Corporation Flooring
US5743056A (en) * 1992-04-10 1998-04-28 Balla-Goddard; Michael Steven Andrew Building panel and buildings made therefrom
US5417020A (en) * 1992-08-12 1995-05-23 Dobija; Michael J. Wall system providing an array of individual panels
US5323564A (en) * 1992-10-02 1994-06-28 Showtech, Inc. Performance stage deck and assembly method
US5433053A (en) * 1993-05-20 1995-07-18 Bechtel Corporation Barbed tee fastener
CN2203326Y (en) * 1994-05-07 1995-07-12 蔡机敏 Inlaid metal faced brick
US5616389A (en) * 1995-10-30 1997-04-01 Blatz; Warren J. Surface covering tile
US6189283B1 (en) * 1995-12-05 2001-02-20 Sico Incorporated Portable floor
US5630304A (en) * 1995-12-28 1997-05-20 Austin; John Adjustable interlock floor tile
US5953878A (en) * 1997-06-06 1999-09-21 S.S.D. Control Technology, Inc. Polyvinyl deck
US6119427A (en) * 1998-04-29 2000-09-19 Louisville Cooler Manufacturing Co. Apparatus and method of modular panel construction
US6128881A (en) * 1998-10-22 2000-10-10 Sico Incorporated Portable floor
GB9907607D0 (en) * 1999-04-06 1999-05-26 Terraplas Plc Cover assembly
US6389773B1 (en) * 1999-06-04 2002-05-21 Knoll, Inc. Stackable panel system for modular office furniture
US6460306B1 (en) * 1999-11-08 2002-10-08 Premark Rwp Holdings, Inc. Interconnecting disengageable flooring system
US6691480B2 (en) * 2002-05-03 2004-02-17 Faus Group Embossed-in-register panel system
SE525661C2 (en) * 2002-03-20 2005-03-29 Vaelinge Innovation Ab Floor boards decorative joint portion making system, has surface layer with underlying layer such that adjoining edge with surface has underlying layer parallel to horizontal plane
US6854215B1 (en) * 2002-09-17 2005-02-15 Plyco Corporation Hollow metal door having foam retained tapping structure
JP4400376B2 (en) * 2004-09-01 2010-01-20 日本電気硝子株式会社 Glass block panel, glass block wall and glass block wall construction method
US7543417B2 (en) * 2005-10-04 2009-06-09 Comc, Llc Modular flooring assemblies
US7516587B2 (en) * 2006-09-27 2009-04-14 Barlow David R Interlocking floor system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1990000656A1 (en) * 1988-07-08 1990-01-25 Sico Incorporated Interlocking sections for portable floors and the like
WO1996004441A1 (en) * 1994-07-29 1996-02-15 Sico Incorporated Floor panel
WO1997021011A2 (en) * 1995-12-05 1997-06-12 Sico Incorporated Portable floor
US6032427A (en) * 1996-12-13 2000-03-07 Connor Sports Flooring Corporation Portable panel sports floor system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012164591A1 (en) * 2011-06-03 2012-12-06 Sepa S.R.L. Floor element in particular for an interlocking modular floor suitable for use in sports

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1951970A1 (en) 2008-08-06
AU2006315739A1 (en) 2007-05-24
NZ568321A (en) 2011-05-27
CN101305141B (en) 2011-06-15
MY157818A (en) 2016-07-29
KR101338860B1 (en) 2013-12-06
RU2008123058A (en) 2009-12-20
BRPI0618313A2 (en) 2011-08-23
KR20080068706A (en) 2008-07-23
US7621091B2 (en) 2009-11-24
US20070113492A1 (en) 2007-05-24
DE602006008497D1 (en) 2009-09-24
EP1951970B1 (en) 2009-08-12
WO2007058875B1 (en) 2007-08-23
AU2006315739B2 (en) 2011-05-26
CN101305141A (en) 2008-11-12
CA2627084C (en) 2012-07-31
ES2328410T3 (en) 2009-11-12
ATE439489T1 (en) 2009-08-15
CA2627084A1 (en) 2007-05-24
JP2009516101A (en) 2009-04-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1951970B1 (en) Portable floor panel and portable floor system comprising a plurality of such panels
US10138917B2 (en) Connector system for rapid assembly and disassembly of panels and other members
CN101113636B (en) Flooring and method for laying and manufacturing the same
US5736227A (en) Laminated wood flooring product and wood floor
US20060185287A1 (en) Portable floor and method of manufacture and installation
CA2648908C (en) Sub-flooring assembly and method
EP1277896A1 (en) Floorboards
WO2000023674A2 (en) Portable floor
WO2010138616A2 (en) Interlocking platform panels and modules
CN111818821B (en) Furniture system
US20100129138A1 (en) Captive bolt mechanism and process for structural assembly of planar components
JPH08100510A (en) Floor panel and its preparation
MXPA06003741A (en) Constructional panels.
EP3665333B1 (en) Concrete block system, method and connector
CN112942717A (en) Assembled veneer structure
CN115135837A (en) Wood cladding system and method of manufacture, system including such a wood cladding system and methods of manufacture and renovation thereof
AU4492285A (en) Panelling system and panelling clips for the same
CN110107568A (en) A kind of self-locking frame of assembly type
WO2005081985A2 (en) Portable floor and method of manufacture and installation
BRPI0924147B1 (en) ASSEMBLY OF FLOOR PANELS PROVIDED WITH A BRAKE SYSTEM

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200680041696.6

Country of ref document: CN

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2006315739

Country of ref document: AU

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2627084

Country of ref document: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2006844301

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2006315739

Country of ref document: AU

Date of ref document: 20061109

Kind code of ref document: A

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2008540181

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: MX/a/2008/006046

Country of ref document: MX

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1020087011488

Country of ref document: KR

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 568321

Country of ref document: NZ

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2289/KOLNP/2008

Country of ref document: IN

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2008123058

Country of ref document: RU

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: PI0618313

Country of ref document: BR

Kind code of ref document: A2

Effective date: 20080507